Quantitative gas chromatographic mass spectrometric determination of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline in human plasma and platelets.

A sensitive and specific method is described for the determination of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline in human plasma, based on selected ion monitoring gas chromatography mass spectrometry and employing a deuterium analogue as internal standard. The identification of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline is based on monitoring ions m/z 143, 171, 199 and 368 for the heptafluorobutyryl derivative of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline or the normal mass spectrum. For quantitation the ratio of ions m/z 368/370 was used. The mean of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline level in human plasma (n = 10) was 8.78 +/- 1.94 ng ml-1 and 5.68 +/- 1.34 ng in platelets corresponding 1 ml of platelet rich plasma.